Syria has returned to the global economic system after the United States (U.S.) lifted economic sanctions from the country, which were put in place in 1979 after the U.S. State Department declared it to be an official State Sponsor of Terrorism. Damascus has been making its way back slowly and steadily to the world since President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's government took charge after liberating Syria and ousting former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, who has been sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa made the first-ever payment with a Visa card in one of the oldest capitals in the world, Damascus, in over 15 years. He was accompanied by Central Bank Governor Mohammad Safwat Raslan, who described the development as "a new beginning filled with hope." Visa has started its operations in Syria in partnership with local entities Fransabank Lebanon and Paymera.

The historic moment of Syria's reinclusion into the global economic system was captured on camera. After having coffee at a local restaurant, President Al-Sharaa was asked by a waiter if he would pay with cash or card. In the footage, the president can be seen swiping his Visa card to complete the payment.

For ordinary Syrians, this step toward reintegration promises easier international payments and investment, building on recent milestones like Syria's first SWIFT transfer since the Assad regime's fall in late 2024.